MILLER SHOWS COWBOYS HIS STAYING POWER

COOPER CITY -- He has a somewhat unusual sense of humor; one that helps him laugh through defeat.

Cooper City High School's Doug Miller dislikes losing football games as much as the next guy. But his personality helps him handle the disappointments when they come. In the two previous seasons he has been here, they have come often.

Miller's attitude is why he can smile through adversity. It is why he has remained optimistic during the past two high school football seasons.

"We've got a bunch of good kids who don't mind working hard," he added. "And if they're willing to work hard that's the biggest part of the battle."

He may like what he does, but Miller has had little to cheer about since jumping into the Cowboys' saddle in 1984. Miller's two previous teams have combined to go 6-14.

Every year it seems Miller's teams are small. There are 41 varsity players, which makes this year no different. But there is a reason for a lack of players this year.

"We've toughened things up a lot and we're going more for quality than quantity this year," he said. "Numbers don't mean everything."

Miller's teams also have trouble keeping up against faster teams from Hollywood Hills, McArthur and Miramar. Like a steer wrestler or bull rider in a rodeo, these Cowboys almost have to stare their opponents down before they attack.

There are other obstacles to overcome. After last year's 2-8 record, Miller lost all but one of his assistant coaches. Two took jobs out of state, one moved to another Broward high school and another is not coaching football at all this year.

Only Bruce Brumley is back, and he is working with the junior varsity this fall. Athletic trainer Bob Fleischer also is back.

"Every year there is a new challenge, and you've got to be optimistic," Miller said. "It keeps things interesting."

And it gives meaning to the job.

"We're thin in numbers again this year in a lot of areas, but we're going to beat some people," he added. "And that's the bottom line."

Cooper City lost 12 seniors to graduation last spring. Many of those were in skilled positions.

For some reason he continues to sees the bright spots.

"Half the challenge is getting ready," he said. "It's also half the fun."

The challenge will start immediately because Cooper City opens the 1986 football season against Hollywood Hills, which was 8-2 last fall.

"This is my first head coaching job and I feel like I'm getting closer to what and where I want to be," he said. "Our program here is taking on a much more positive aspect this year. Confidence is very important.

"Last year we had a lot of injuries early in the season and things started to fall apart very easily. I don't think that will be the case this year."

Miller arrived in 1984 from Haines City High School, where for three years he was offensive coordinator and athletic director.

Prior to Miller's hiring, Cooper City went through three head coaches in three years from 1981-83. The lack of consistency was an obvious detriment to the program.

During the 1983 season, athletic director Hollis Coleman ran the program. Coleman had not coached football for 10 years beforethat. Coleman took over for Curt Wiles, who lasted one season after replacing Jack Chapman, who lasted three.

But immediately after he was hired, Miller promised to stick around. He promised to give the program a chance to develop no matter the odds. He said if he didn't do anything else, he would strive for team unity. And consistency.

"I have no intention of making this a short-term thing," Miller said. "I plan to be here for a while, to build a solid program. My philosophy is to help give the kids enough confidence so that they'll play more consistently during the year. The more confident (the coaches) are the more confident the players will be."

And because he has been around for a while, this season just may be Miller's time.

"I think Doug's done a good job since he's been here," said Fleischer. "He gets along well with everybody, especially the kids."

Coleman agreed.

"He does a good job with the kids and that's important," Coleman said." Everyone out here is happy with the way Doug has been running things on and off the field."

Miller and Coleman spent most of the spring and early summer looking for new assistant coaches. Mitch Bailey of Maryland will work with the offensive backs, while Ohio's Chuck Johnston takes charge of the defensive secondary. David Gray of Pittsburgh will be offensive line coach, while Craig Kusimark of Iowa works with Brumley with the junior varsity.

Two volunteer coaches are Charles Baggleman (linebackers) and Mike Segarra (defensive line). Miller will concentrate on the receivers.

"Every year coaches are looking for new opportunities," Miller said. "Coaches help each other out in that respect. If there is an opening, word gets around. The only problem is going through the applications to find the right people who will help you with your goals."

Keeping assistants is another part of Miller's plan for consistency. He is confident he now has the right people; ones who also will be around for a while and enjoy the challenge.

"You have to have fun or it isn't worth the effort," Miller said. "It's not a job to the kids, but they also have to realize that in order to do well, they have to work at it. And work hard.

"As far as I'm concerned, like I said, if I didn't like what I was doing I'd quit. And I'm not quitting."